If you're looking for good music, good food, and a whole lot of fun (and free) activities, grab the kids and head over to Bethel Lutheran Church.

This Saturday,September 26th between 4:30 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. the church will be hosting their 5th annual Neighborhood Block Party.

This free event is open to church members, neighbors and community members from all over Lake Highlands.

Pam Swendig is the Director of Music Ministries for Bethel and event's organizer.

She's anticipating this year's party will be as successful as last, which was attended by close to 600 celebrating folks.

And just what will they be celebrating? According to Pam, the idea for the annual Neighborhood Block Party evolved from the goal of the church outreach committee.

"We wondered how we could extend a warm welcome to our neighbors, to extend God's grace, which is His free gift to all of us," says Pam.

"So we built on that idea and decided everything at this party would be free - food, drinks, entertainment - everything!" The event and all its activities are entirely funded and staffed by the church and its members.

This year that includes food, a bounce house, games, a petting zoo, pony rides, balloon artists, bingo and door prizes, a basketball shoot and a salute to all U.S. military personnel at 6:00 p.m.

The military recognition will welcome representatives from the Army Reserve Airborne on Northwest Highway in their big Humvee, an Armed Forces song medley presentation, and Bethel's oldest, most decorated (Purple Heart and Bronze Heart) soldier will be honored.

Another crowd-pleasing activity will be the opportunity for kids to participate in the Upwards Basketball and Cheerleading programs.

These Christian-based programs are designed to teach young people life-long skills, as participants are matched according their skill level, and everyone is encouraged and cheered for their efforts.

While the program has previously catered only to basketball, this year cheerleading will be included, which Pam is thrilled about.

"The basketball program has grown considerably, but we're ready for more. The addition of cheerleading this year's Upward Program is so exciting!"

Bethel Lutheran's neighborhood encompasses the area bordered by Plano, Kingsley, Easton and Garland Roads, and earlier this week 30 Bethel volunteers delivered over 5,000 fliers to their neighbors, inviting them to attend the party.

For more information, please contact Pam Swendig at 214-348-0420 or by email at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).

Bethel Lutheran Church is located at 11211 E. Northwest Highway. You'll find them online at http://www.betheldallas.org.

Be sure to also visit the LH Today Worship page for a listing of local churches, complete with addresses, contact numbers and website links.